DDS Admission Procedures

1. An online application form is obtained from the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) at http://www.adea.org/DAS/AADSAS/default.htm. AADSAS applications are available starting in mid-May. November 1 has been established as our priority filing date; all applications must be received in the AADSAS Washington, D.C. office on or by the priority filing date. Note: Applicants are advised to apply well before the deadline.
2. Once your AADSAS application is complete, your application will be forwarded to the University of Washington
3. We review your application to determine if you will receive a supplementary application. Please allow up to 4 weeks for the UW SOD to process your application. Note: Not all applicants receive a supplemental application.
4. Admission to the RIDE program in Spokane, Washington is limited to residents of Washington State. University of Washington Dental School applicants interested in the RIDE program should apply in the usual manner. Those selected for further consideration and screening for a possible interview will be sent a secondary application form on which the student may indicate his/her interest in being a first year RIDE dental student in Spokane, Washington. The 8 students accepted for the RIDE program will be selected from this group of applicants.
5. Competitive applicants will be sent a supplementary application and a request for the following materials:
   • A supplementary application which includes a short autobiographical essay.
   • A non-refundable application fee of $35.00. Fee waivers are available.
   • Three letters of recommendations:
   • Science Instructor – Evaluation of your academic and intellectual qualifications
   • Dentist – Evaluation of your knowledge of and motivation toward the dental profession
   • Character – Evaluation of who can indicate your contribution to humanity and community.
   • We will accept copies from your AADSAS Application.
   • Although UW welcomes any additional letters of recommendation from professors or employers, they will not be sufficient to complete an application. There is a five letter of recommendation limit.
   • Official Dental Admission Test scores sent direct from ADA. you must have completed the DAT by no later than October 31 the year prior to matriculation.Note: DAT's are valid for 3 years.
   • Official transcripts from all higher education institutions attended.
   • A list of current and future courses.
   • Conviction/Criminal History Information.
6. Applications are considered complete once all materials listed above are received and processed.
7. Invitations for an interview are sent to applicants based on a preliminary screening of the entire application. The interview is an opportunity for an open and friendly discussion of your interests, background, and selection of dentistry as a profession. Invitations are sent out between September - February.
8. Starting December 1 through mid-March, the Admissions Committee meets periodically to make decisions on admissions status. In their deliberations, the following areas are considered.
• Academic Record
  Overall grade point average (GPA), and GPA of predental required science courses are reviewed. College grades are an important indicator of dental school performance and success. The Committee members review these grades for a strong, consistent GPA with few withdrawals, incompletes, repeated courses or non-graded options.
• DAT (Dental Admission Test)
  The test, sponsored by the American Dental Association, covers several areas: quantitative reasoning, survey of natural sciences (including biology, general and organic chemistry) and perceptual ability (including form development, apertures, angles, cubes, and orthographic projections). At the University of Washington the scores are reviewed to identify an applicant’s areas of strength. The test must be taken no later than October 31, one year prior to admission. For more information and to register for the test, visit the ADA website.
• Level of Preprofessional Education
  A majority of our applicants will have a baccalaureate degree by the time of entry. Admission may be offered to applicants without a baccalaureate degree, but only to those applicants who have completed all predental requirements and have a minimum of 3 years full time coursework.
• Dental Knowledge/Volunteer Experience
  Knowledge of the field of dentistry through experience in a dental setting (dentist’s office, clinic, etc.), introductory dental coursework, and exploration of the dental literature are considered as admission factors. A qualified applicant will have a clear understanding of the profession and a demonstrated interest in the field.
• Demonstrated Community Service/Leadership
  Our School values commitment to serving or volunteering in communities and organizations that support the well-being of others.
• Unique Life Experiences
  Research and teaching efforts, travel, and work experience are some of the life experiences that are considered important. Such experiences demonstrate the breadth and level of maturity of a candidate.
• Communication Skills
  In addition to motivation, the applicant’s verbal and nonverbal communication skills are examined by the Admissions Committee. Personal attributes such as integrity, responsibility, leadership, initiative, perseverance, and diversity of interests are important.
9. Interviews begin in October, and the earliest the Admissions Committee will notify applicants of their admission decision is the first of December. A "rolling admission" format is used, so interviews and Committee decisions will continue to be made between December and March. Most acceptance decisions are made after January 1st. The Admissions Committee will make one of three decisions regarding all applications and post to the AADSAS web site by March 15:
• Offer of Acceptance
  This means your admission application has been accepted. You will have a specified time to reply to reserve enrollment in the entering first year class. In addition your enrollment will be contingent on timely submission of the following requirements: required registration deposit; transcripts showing completion of predental courses; registration for Autumn; completion of required immunizations, and a cleared criminal background check. Accepted applicants will receive follow up letters and information.
• Alternate Status
  You are offered a position on our Alternate List. You will have a specified time to reserve a position on this list which is maintained until the beginning of the program.
• Denial of Admission
  The Committee has considered your application but cannot offer you a position or alternate status.

Accepted applicants will receive follow up letters and information. Detailing registration procedures and financial aid. In early summer, new students receive a packet of materials welcoming you to the School and describing Orientation, which begins about mid-September. Attendance is mandatory and will provide an opportunity for you to learn about your upcoming curriculum, student rights and responsibilities, financial aid information, student organizations, and to begin coursework. You will attend an off campus student retreat where you’ll be able to relax and meet your new classmates in an informal atmosphere.